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Grace's Law
Grace Hargrove is the top female associate at a distinguished Washington D.C. law firm, Simon & Hunt. Grace is expecting to be first chair on a big merger, which would set her up to make managing partner. Instead, Grace is assigned a pro bono case as a victim’s rights lawyer to represent Jacqueline, a managing partner’s niece, who was assaulted by a Congressman.
Grace is incensed about the assignment, but she quickly finds herself in awe of Jacqueline, who at twenty-one years old, is able to do what Grace could not—report her assault. The assignment as a victim’s lawyer helps Grace deal with her own demons as she discovers the power of voice. She hits roadblocks—an unhelpful detective, a handsome prosecutor, and a fight for her role in the courtroom as a victim’s rights lawyer.
In the midst of these challenges, the Congressman winds up dead and Jacqueline is accused of killing him. When Grace's firm wants to take a step back, Grace is ultimately forced to choose between defending Jacqueline and her dream of making partner. What will she do?
Grace is incensed about the assignment, but she quickly finds herself in awe of Jacqueline, who at twenty-one years old, is able to do what Grace could not—report her assault. The assignment as a victim’s lawyer helps Grace deal with her own demons as she discovers the power of voice. She hits roadblocks—an unhelpful detective, a handsome prosecutor, and a fight for her role in the courtroom as a victim’s rights lawyer.
In the midst of these challenges, the Congressman winds up dead and Jacqueline is accused of killing him. When Grace's firm wants to take a step back, Grace is ultimately forced to choose between defending Jacqueline and her dream of making partner. What will she do?
- GenresFiction
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2023
8 people are currently reading
1635 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 29, 2023
One of the better books about issues of sexual assault and the effects of same on lives. The story of Grace's assault and her choices about how to handle it were very well and relatably depicted. Good job all the way around. I can highly recommend this book.
My thanks to the author, Ashley Norman, and to Goodreads Giveaways for my ebook.
My thanks to the author, Ashley Norman, and to Goodreads Giveaways for my ebook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2023
I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway and I am very glad I did.
This was a quick read and powerful story. When I originally saw that it was under 300 pages, I thought that was short, but I understand why. The writer writes like a lawyer—concise and to the point. There was little time spent discussing the setting or background (but there was a little bit)
I thought the author did a good job of keeping the reader involved. She shed light on some important rights and issues.
I also did like the very end.
This was a quick read and powerful story. When I originally saw that it was under 300 pages, I thought that was short, but I understand why. The writer writes like a lawyer—concise and to the point. There was little time spent discussing the setting or background (but there was a little bit)
I thought the author did a good job of keeping the reader involved. She shed light on some important rights and issues.
I also did like the very end.
April 28, 2023
An enjoyable yet important read on an emerging issue in the legal world. The author balances fun and mystery with the delicate world of victim’s advocacy. A great read for all, but especially those in the legal world!
July 23, 2023
Great read!
I actually received this book FREE from Goodreads Givaways. I entered the giveaway, with may others, and was very glad that I won! Thanks to Ashley Norman for making this book available.
I found myself deeply engrossed in the story about a merger and acquisition lawyer, who was assigned a victim's right case. At first, she went into it blind, but eventually found her calling.
The book was a real page turner.
I actually received this book FREE from Goodreads Givaways. I entered the giveaway, with may others, and was very glad that I won! Thanks to Ashley Norman for making this book available.
I found myself deeply engrossed in the story about a merger and acquisition lawyer, who was assigned a victim's right case. At first, she went into it blind, but eventually found her calling.
The book was a real page turner.
April 17, 2023
This book is amazing! You won’t want to put it down! Not enough people know the importance of victim’s counsel in the legal system. Grace’s Law gives a great understanding of the legal system and the difficulties faced by victims everyday.
March 30, 2023
“Grace’s Law” is an excellent debut novel from Ashley Norman. Norman expertly tells an engaging story about Grace—a career driven lawyer—and her internal struggles reconciling her role as a victim's right lawyer with her own previous sexual assault; her tireless pursuit of a life she thought she wanted; and the realization that she desired something completely different than what she had imagined. Norman’s engaging storytelling keeps you wanting more—I know I finished this novel in less 12 hours! While victim’s rights lawyers may be a newer concept, Norman’s tale makes you wonder why it took us so long to establish such a role in our justice system. This book starts a much-needed conversation about the importance of continuous growth, reflection, and evolution both individually and systemically.
April 15, 2023
Amazing read!
This book was fast paced. Never a slow moment and an interesting look at victim’s rights. Definitely one of my favorite books.
This book was fast paced. Never a slow moment and an interesting look at victim’s rights. Definitely one of my favorite books.
April 7, 2023
Brilliant book on a topic that does not receive enough airspace! I was engulfed by this book and the ease of reading such a deep topic. The author has the personal experience to provide an uncanny in-depth look at the world of victim’s rights and victim advocacy. Loved loved loved!
July 21, 2023
I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This a different sort of legal thriller than I normally read, but I am glad I did. The story is about Grace who is a senior attorney in a large firm and she normally handles mergers and acquisitions. In this instance she is called to her boss's office where she is expected to be told that she will be the lead on the latest merger that the firm is handling. What she hears instead is that they want her to represent a young woman who has been sexually assaulted and is the niece of one of the partners. Grace has no knowledge of how to handle it, but she accepts it grungily. The next day she makes arrangements to meet with Jacqueline, the niece who was sexually assaulted by a congressman. As she gets more involved her attitude begins to change. A preliminary hearing is held and a determination was made that there was enough evidence for the case to go to trial. Before it could be tried the congressman was killed and Jacqueline was arrested and wanted Grace as her attorney. The law firm was not in favor of Grace continuing and Grace was told to tell Jacquelene that she couldn't do it. Grace decided that she would represent Jackie. As she looked for information from the police, she was being stonewalled by a detective that was involved with the initil investigation of the sexual assault and seemed to be biased more to the congressman. In fact the detective did not seem to do well following up on other potential suspects. Grace told Josh her paralegal that she would need to find the killer. Grace during the 4th of July holiday made a trip to check out a lead.
To learn what Grace discovered on the trip, who was responsible for the congressman's death and what Grace finally figured out about herself, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed. It is a definite eye opener regarding what sexual assault victims encounter and the tough decision they have to make.
This a different sort of legal thriller than I normally read, but I am glad I did. The story is about Grace who is a senior attorney in a large firm and she normally handles mergers and acquisitions. In this instance she is called to her boss's office where she is expected to be told that she will be the lead on the latest merger that the firm is handling. What she hears instead is that they want her to represent a young woman who has been sexually assaulted and is the niece of one of the partners. Grace has no knowledge of how to handle it, but she accepts it grungily. The next day she makes arrangements to meet with Jacqueline, the niece who was sexually assaulted by a congressman. As she gets more involved her attitude begins to change. A preliminary hearing is held and a determination was made that there was enough evidence for the case to go to trial. Before it could be tried the congressman was killed and Jacqueline was arrested and wanted Grace as her attorney. The law firm was not in favor of Grace continuing and Grace was told to tell Jacquelene that she couldn't do it. Grace decided that she would represent Jackie. As she looked for information from the police, she was being stonewalled by a detective that was involved with the initil investigation of the sexual assault and seemed to be biased more to the congressman. In fact the detective did not seem to do well following up on other potential suspects. Grace told Josh her paralegal that she would need to find the killer. Grace during the 4th of July holiday made a trip to check out a lead.
To learn what Grace discovered on the trip, who was responsible for the congressman's death and what Grace finally figured out about herself, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed. It is a definite eye opener regarding what sexual assault victims encounter and the tough decision they have to make.
July 6, 2023
At first I thought the book was about the inequities of male-dominated workplaces, and the overt and subtle discrimination or abuses female professionals go through; the setting - the DC political and legal milieu - as well as the fairly decent story setup, created an expectation of a thrilling ride through the power corridors of the US capital. Then the story meandered to a secondary plot, then another until it was not entirely neatly tied together under a unifying theme. Had I read the blurb before the story (something I never do, as I prefer to discover the theme in the story itself) I may have figured out early where the author was taking me all along.
This not a bad read, and except for an unnecessary detour into a cringe-worthy 1st-World-meets-noble-poverty-in-the-3rd-World, I could almost ignore some fairly banal passages and a schmaltzy romance and enjoy the story. The last 5 or 5 chapters are, imho, completely unnecessary. The theme should haven been tightly woven into the story and didn't need to have an "advocacy" section.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This not a bad read, and except for an unnecessary detour into a cringe-worthy 1st-World-meets-noble-poverty-in-the-3rd-World, I could almost ignore some fairly banal passages and a schmaltzy romance and enjoy the story. The last 5 or 5 chapters are, imho, completely unnecessary. The theme should haven been tightly woven into the story and didn't need to have an "advocacy" section.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 16, 2023
I am in awe of Ashely.
A former victim's right lawyer with the Air Force, Ashley has years of expertise in her field and it shows in her debut novel, Grace's Law. This was a quick read for me. The story was interesting and poignant. During a busy day, my mind would drift to the what if's of the story and was drawn in again and again. The main character Grace is likable, despite her intial character flaws, and the story line is so believable, it may hit close to home for some.
As a cautious encouragement, those of you who have a thing against typos (that's me!), please don't let them keep you from enjoying this book. Book publishing for indie authors is quite the process, but the writing here is good and that's much more critical to a compelling story. I can't wait to see what Ashley brings us next and I hope this is the beginning of many more to come!
A former victim's right lawyer with the Air Force, Ashley has years of expertise in her field and it shows in her debut novel, Grace's Law. This was a quick read for me. The story was interesting and poignant. During a busy day, my mind would drift to the what if's of the story and was drawn in again and again. The main character Grace is likable, despite her intial character flaws, and the story line is so believable, it may hit close to home for some.
As a cautious encouragement, those of you who have a thing against typos (that's me!), please don't let them keep you from enjoying this book. Book publishing for indie authors is quite the process, but the writing here is good and that's much more critical to a compelling story. I can't wait to see what Ashley brings us next and I hope this is the beginning of many more to come!
September 10, 2023
I won this book on Goodread, thank you very much. I was a little slow on the start but it turned out to be a really good story. Grace Hargrove an attorney who works with mergers and is about to become a partner.She does not do criminal law but she is told she will do a pro bono for a partner's niece who was raped by a congressman. She is assigned as a victim's rights attorney for Jacqueline though she has no experience. As the trial starts the congressman is killed and she is accused. She request for Grace to be her attorney through the trial. There are many things going on here but you need to put the story together for yourself. Actually the further you go into the story the more interesting it gets.
April 25, 2023
The book is beautifully written and the characters are all engaging. It is a relevant story of becoming a victim of rape and finding the courage and legal support available to fight for your voice. Ms Norman takes you on a journey filled with obstacles, romantic distractions and self discovery. Finding the strength we didn’t know we had.
May 16, 2023
Ashley Norman does a great job in creating this plot and I enjoyed that it had female lawyers. The story worked well overall and I was hooked from the first page. The characters were what I was hoping for and enjoyed getting to know them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2023
A great quick read! Only quick because I was so invested! A cross between Law and Order SVU and The Partner Track. An interesting topic I didn’t know much about but definitely something I want to know more about. Definitely need a sequel!
April 26, 2023
This book was an easy read, but I also feel like I learned something about the law and victim's rights. Kudos to the author for finding a creative way to make a deep topic interesting and fun. I loved the characters of Grace and Josh. The ending made my jaw drop-I hope there's a second!
May 4, 2023
Thrilling story with an important message.
This is a great story that highlights the importance of looking at sexual assault from the perspective of the victim. The characters and twists and turns pull you in and make you keep you reading. You won't want to put the book down!
This is a great story that highlights the importance of looking at sexual assault from the perspective of the victim. The characters and twists and turns pull you in and make you keep you reading. You won't want to put the book down!
June 12, 2023
Ashley's heart for justice and compassion for underrepresented voices shines through in this story of a young attorney whose life and career are forever altered by a case she never wanted to take on. Thank you, Ashley, for sharing your heart and this story!
August 21, 2023
Goodreads giveaway*****
Great story! Loved the characters and details. Needs a bit of editing with wrong words or missing words, could be a digital issue- did not effect enjoyment or recommendation.
Really would like a book 2 to see how the last sentence plays out and to see the development of Grace and …(no spoilers).
Great story! Loved the characters and details. Needs a bit of editing with wrong words or missing words, could be a digital issue- did not effect enjoyment or recommendation.
Really would like a book 2 to see how the last sentence plays out and to see the development of Grace and …(no spoilers).
November 19, 2023
I won this as a Goodreads Giveaway and was pleasantly surprised! I’ve been in a slump and this was a great book!
October 24, 2024
Good story telling
A very interesting read and different look at the judicial system. Some aspects were a bit heavy handed. With that being said I couldn't put it down.
A very interesting read and different look at the judicial system. Some aspects were a bit heavy handed. With that being said I couldn't put it down.
October 5, 2023
This book was so good!! It was a quick read because it was so interesting.
July 13, 2023
A Legal Thriller with a Modern Heroine.
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2023
Grace's Law, written by first-time author Ashley Norman, is an enthralling legal thriller that immerses readers in the high-stakes world of law while exploring the personal struggles of its ambitious protagonist.
The narrative centers around Grace Hargrove, a talented female associate at a prestigious Washington D.C. law firm. Her aspirations for career advancement and a managing partner role are unexpectedly derailed when she is assigned a pro bono case as a victim's rights lawyer, representing Jacqueline, a young woman who was assaulted by a Congressman.
Norman's portrayal of Grace is a standout feature of the book. The protagonist is complex and driven, no doubt she’s fought hard to achieve her current position. I found her very real and relatable. She is disciplined and competitive. She’s been victimized but is not a victim. She faces obstacles but decides to take them on. She is definitely a 21st century heroine.
The pacing of the story and the plot twists maintained a sense of suspense which kept me turning the pages! All the while, Norman weaves in significant themes such as sexual assault, victim's rights, and gender inequality in a realistic and authentic manner, never preachy or bitter. I was invested in the outcome of the legal cases, but also how things would work out for Grace.
Grace's Law is an amazing debut novel by Ashley Norman! I would like to follow another Grace Hargrove case.
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2023
Grace's Law, written by first-time author Ashley Norman, is an enthralling legal thriller that immerses readers in the high-stakes world of law while exploring the personal struggles of its ambitious protagonist.
The narrative centers around Grace Hargrove, a talented female associate at a prestigious Washington D.C. law firm. Her aspirations for career advancement and a managing partner role are unexpectedly derailed when she is assigned a pro bono case as a victim's rights lawyer, representing Jacqueline, a young woman who was assaulted by a Congressman.
Norman's portrayal of Grace is a standout feature of the book. The protagonist is complex and driven, no doubt she’s fought hard to achieve her current position. I found her very real and relatable. She is disciplined and competitive. She’s been victimized but is not a victim. She faces obstacles but decides to take them on. She is definitely a 21st century heroine.
The pacing of the story and the plot twists maintained a sense of suspense which kept me turning the pages! All the while, Norman weaves in significant themes such as sexual assault, victim's rights, and gender inequality in a realistic and authentic manner, never preachy or bitter. I was invested in the outcome of the legal cases, but also how things would work out for Grace.
Grace's Law is an amazing debut novel by Ashley Norman! I would like to follow another Grace Hargrove case.
February 17, 2025
We follow a young female lawyer through her journey of representing a victim of sexual assault. The case hits close to home as she herself has been raped. There is solid character development as she gains her voice and shifts her priorities in life. It had a good ending. On the negative side, some of the plot was a little unrealistic (meeting with the killer and the short, last-minute international trip), and I didn’t care for the romantic sub-plot, which seemed to cheapen the story.
I won a free copy of this book (thanks to the author & publisher!) and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
I won a free copy of this book (thanks to the author & publisher!) and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews